When they weren't busy releasing five or so albums and EPs in 2018, New Orleans sludgy punks Thou took the time to rearrange a few new covers, a staple in the outfit's live set. While Thou's sound typically leans toward the abrasive end of the spectrum much of the time, the group took a peaceful and sullen approach to their December 31st performance of the Alice in Chains track "Brother" at 1234 Go! Records in Oakland, California, thanks in part to the contributions from fellow Big Easy resident and shoegaze/ambient pop artist MJ Guider.
Playing in a seated arrangement amid a dark room lit by the bulbs of a Christmas tree, the ensemble gently weaves their way through the grungy, swirling song. Duet vocals echo those of the 1992 tune, on which Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley's vocal performances were joined by those of Heart's Ann Wilson. Pared down percussion and a capella segues deepen the enigmatic atmosphere of the performance, coming together to form a beautifully hypnotic rendition of the depressive track.
Watch the performance above and read more about Thou's influences, motivations, and beliefs in this August interview with singer Bryan Funck.
